Rockets’ Parsons surging since All-Star break

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Chandler Parsons’ strong offensive game Wednesday was part of a recent surge of improved shooting since the All-Star break.

Parsons had 19 points, one shy of his season high, on 6-of-9 shooting at Toronto. He has averaged 10.3 points on 58.5 percent shooting in 28.5 minutes per game since the break. He is shooting 65.6 percent in the past four games.

After making 34.6 percent of his free throws before the break, he has made 64.7 percent since.

“It’s obvious I’m confident, and I’ve been working really hard with J.B. (Bickerstaff) before practice, after practice, before games just shooting the same shots and at the free-throw line,” Parsons said. “I’m just blocking everything out and staying aggressive and confident the shots will fall.”

He said he did not feel especially fatigued before the break but has felt refreshed even with the busy schedule since.

“I think this is when I’m supposed to hit the rookie wall,” Parsons said. “After the All-Star break, I feel good.”

Rockets deal with injuries

Guard Kyle Lowry underwent an MRI on a sore groin muscle Thursday, but no significant damage was found.

Lowry was fighting the illness that slowed him in the Rockets’ loss at Toronto on Wednesday.

X-rays on Goran Dragic’s bruised left foot were negative.

Centers Jordan Hill and Greg Smith returned to practice Thursday and could be available Saturday night against the Nets.

Hill has missed the past nine games with a sprained knee. Smith was inactive the past two games.